Solange Knowles Q&A

Aug 25, 2008

Solange Knowles talks to us about her dreams becoming a reality, her Art of Love tour and her new album.

What was the journey like in making Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams?

Truly a journey, this was like traveling through the past, present and future of my emotions. I was facing honesty face to face with the sound, lyrics and soul in the records. I really captured a true reflection musically and artistically of who I am.

What does Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams mean to you?

The Hadley Street Dream is a tribute to making a vision come to life. My father built a compound on a dessert city block, he saw something in that space we couldn't see. It was years later the album was born right there on Hadley St. He built the studio I started recording the album at.

Writing, singing, acting – anything you would like to tackle eventually?

I have been writing songs since I was 9 years old, so writing has and always will be my first love and passion. I think I have room to grow on perfecting my performing craft as well I want to, and I am always working on delivering the best possible. I am actually in talks to develop a TV show a la "Curb your enthusiasm" which I am very excited about.

You spent most of the summer doing your "Art of Love" tour across the nation, how was it? Also, how's your foot?

It was a great platform to develop my show and expressing my music face to face. Even though I faced hurdles like breaking my toe I really wanted to work on creating a connection between the song and the visual the concept presented.

Any favorite music venues you toured at?

I did an outdoor theatre in Detroit called Chaney Park that faced the river between Detroit and Canada. Pretty beautiful and created the perfect vibe for my show.

Any favorite music festivals you've been to this summer?

Coachelle Music Festival and Essence Music Festival

You're working with some amazing artists - Cee-Lo, Raphael Saadiq, Polow Da Don, Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Q-Tip, Bilal and Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius – how was that to work with such a talented pool of artists?

It is always an honor to work with those that share your passion for music and just enjoy making great music. I actually co-wrote Sandcastle disco with Cee-lo and in turn he wrote a me a great song by the name of T.O.N.Y (The Other Night Y). Pharrell and I co-wrote my first single, I Decided. It was a great experience.

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